Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green was picked by a panel of ESPN analysts and reporters to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, topping the likes of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Suggs.
Green was named to All-Summer League second team after averaging 20.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and two assists. He was limited to just three games after suffering a hamstring injury but impressed on the court prior to having his run in Las Vegas cut short.
The second overall pick projects to have the opportunity to log heavy minutes this season with the Rockets and should have a great chance to win Rookie of the Year. In the poll by ESPN, Green received 72.2% of the first-place votes.
- Jalen Green, Houston Rockets (72.2% first-place votes)
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (27.8% first-place votes)
- Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic
- Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
The poll by ESPN dropped just after analyst Kendrick Perkins said on “The Jump” that he believed Green would win Rookie of the Year. He pointed to the success Green had last season in the G League as one reason why he’ll win the award this year.
The Rookie of the Year award has been decided in convincing fashion in recent memory but the incoming group looks to make for a competitive race with Cunningham and Green likely battling it out all season long.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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